Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a landmark decision to provide a monthly stipend for imams of around 65,000 mosques across the province and it is a move hailed as the first of its kind in Punjab’s history.
Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order in Lahore, the chief minister said that imams hold a deeply respected and central position in society, serving not only as spiritual guides but also as community leaders. She emphasized that they should not have to depend on voluntary donations from worshippers to make ends meet.
“Our imams deserve dignity and financial security,” Maryam Nawaz said, stressing that the provincial government will take full responsibility for their welfare. “They serve the community with devotion and must be supported by the state.”
Focus on Mosque Uplift and Infrastructure
During the briefing, officials informed the chief minister that mosque construction, renovation, and maintenance projects have been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to ensure the timely completion of these projects while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of mosques.
She also directed the administration to repair and upgrade roads leading to Raiwind ahead of the annual Tablighi Congregation, one of the largest religious gatherings in the region. Additionally, she called for special transport and security arrangements to facilitate pilgrims attending the event.
New Cyber Crime Cell and Enforcement of Laws
The chief minister further declared the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Crime Cell to curb the online misuse of religious platforms and strengthen the enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act, making certain peace and interfaith harmony across the province.
A Welcomed and Historic Move
Religious scholars and community leaders have welcomed the stipend initiative, calling it a “historic step” that recognizes the immense role imams play in
- Guiding communities
- Promoting unity
- Preserving moral values
Many described it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of their service and a practical effort to restore respect and financial stability for mosque leaders across Punjab.